Sharing Relationship Details on Facebook?

How does Facebook affect your relationship?

An article written by Anne Miller of Ozy reports that escalating Facebook use can result in increased relationship difficulties.

Miller cites a Boston University study which says that in general, 32 percent of heavy Facebook users consider leaving their spouse — twice the percentage of “non-users.” Also, a 20 percent rise in Facebook usage is accompanied by a 2 percent bump in the divorce rate.

True, these numbers may only suggest a correlation, not a causation — but here’s the interesting part:

The study also suggests that, “men and women troubled by their marriage may be turning to social media for emotional support.”

In the comments section of the article, readers were quick to point out that any time spent ignoring your spouse — on Facebook or otherwise — can be detrimental to your relationship, but I think they are missing the point.

Before talking about your relationship with friends, ask yourself these questions:

• Am I sharing intimate details that would betray my spouse’s confidence?
• Am I commiserating  — just looking for someone to agree with how bad I have it?
• Would I be hesitant to share the same information in front of my spouse?

A ‘yes’ answer to any of these questions suggests a breach of trust and represents patently non-protective behavior. Remember, the first step in gaining Sigma Status is accepting responsibility for the state of your relationship. You can’t accomplish that by complaining about your spouse.

Do you have a relationship problem you’d like to discuss? Are you seeking support that encourages you to be a better man? Send your question by Facebook Messenger or to info@TheSigmaMale.com.

Together we can build a better correlation: Using Facebook and building a stronger relationship.

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Dr. John Alexander is relationship expert and the author of The Sigma Male: What Women Really Want. To learn more about Sigma Coaching, visit his website, subscribe to his blog, “like” his page on Facebook, and follow him on Twitter.